Severe Renal Failure in a Dog Resembling Human Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

• Published in: Journal of comparative pathology Vol. 143; no. 2; pp. 190 - 194
• Main Authors: Aresu, L., Zanatta, R., Luciani, L., Trez, D., Castagnaro, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2010
• Subjects: Animals; dog; Dog Diseases - etiology; Dog Diseases - pathology; Dogs; Female; glomerulosclerosis; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental - complications; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental - pathology; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental - veterinary; Humans; kidney; Kidney - pathology; renal failure; Renal Insufficiency - etiology; Renal Insufficiency - pathology; Renal Insufficiency - veterinary; renal failure; kidney; glomerulosclerosis; dog
• ISSN: 0021-9975; 1532-3129
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2009.12.016

A case of renal disease in a dog resembling human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is presented. A kidney biopsy from this animal showed focal glomerular sclerosis, with variable distribution, affecting the perihilar and peripheral segments of the glomerular tuft. Non-sclerotic glomeruli were markedly enlarged. Interstitial fibrosis in association with tubular atrophy affected approximately 20% of the area of the biopsy. Immunofluorescence labelling showed immunoglobulin M deposits entrapped in segmental sclerotic areas and ultrastructural examination revealed segmental sclerosis and obliteration of capillaries, vacuolation of podocytes and diffuse effacement of foot processes. The dog was humanely destroyed 1 month later. At necropsy examination there was severe end-stage kidney disease with interstitial fibrosis involving more than 60% of the renal tissue. The clinical course and the microscopical, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural findings in this case have similarity to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in man.